(1888PressRelease)
March 12, 2008 - Bridlington artist Gail Miller a massive fan of the TV program Monkey Life, found a unique way of helping the Internationally renowned Ape Sanctuary, Monkey World in Dorset, where the program is filmed. She recently donated one of her original watercolours which is to be raffled off at the centre to raise funds for the Jim Cronin Memorial Fund which exists to raise funds for an education centre - focussed on primate conservation and animal welfare education.
Tragically, last year Jim Cronin, who founded Monkey World with his wife Alison, 20 years ago, died. Jim and Alison turned Monkey World from a small refuge, into to a 65 acre wildlife park that is home to more than 160 rescued primates of 16 different species. Last year Jim was awarded the honour of Member of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for Services to Animal Welfare.
Monkey World rescue apes and monkeys from all sorts of cruelty and bad situations. Baby chimpanzees are used for experimentation or are taken from their mothers in the jungle and are then used for the illegal pet trade or the entertainment business. This barbaric trade poses a serious threat to the survival of the wild chimpanzee. Monkey World take these animals in and rehabilitate them.
Gail's painting is on display in Monkey World's Adoption Centre where visitors can buy raffle tickets at £1 per ticket. The draw for the winner will take place after Easter and according to Jez Hermer, Monkey World's Operations Director, it's already proving popular. Plans have also been mentioned to turn Gail's image into a limited edition, signed print run and on the front of Monkey World T shirts.
Gail says" I am an avid fan of Monkey Business & Monkey Life. So addicted am I, that I watch at least one episode almost every day. My favourite animals are the primates and some of the stories the programs highlight are tragic. It's unbelievable what humans do to these beautiful creatures. I had the idea of donating an original painting to help them with their wonderful work."
